Kidnapped Nasarawa chief freed after ransom payment

A traditional ruler in Nasarawa state abducted from his palace five days ago has been freed after a ransom.

Abdullahi Magaji was found looking weak around Kiguna area of Lafia, about 24 kilometers outside his domain in the state capital.

A title holder in the palace, who did not want to be named, said huge ransom was paid for the chief’s release.

The second-class traditional ruler is the Aron Akye of Ugah town in Lafia Local Government.

His abductors demanded an N50 million in ransom, which they later reduced to N15 million, but the palace did not disclose how much was eventually paid.

When contacted, Police spokesman, ASP Ramhan Nansel said, “Police are aware that the Chief has reunited with his family and our personnel are around. We have been advising families of kidnapped people to quickly inform the Police and avoid negotiating and paying ransom.”